The Federal Government has arrested three foreign nationals over alleged illegal mining activities in Rafin Gabas, Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Thursday by his media aide, Segun Tomori.
He said the illegal mining site, which was reportedly protected by some compromised security personnel, was dismantled by the ministry’s mining marshals.
Describing the operation as a significant breakthrough, Alake reaffirmed the government’s commitment to stamping out illegal mining and bringing offenders to justice.
“This is a crucial milestone in our tireless efforts to sanitize the mining sector. We are committed to cracking down on illegal mining operations and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable,” the statement read.
Commander of the mining marshals, John Onoja, disclosed that investigations are underway to identify the compromised security personnel linked to the site.
He added that the location has been sealed off following the raid.
Onoja also revealed that the company behind the illegal operations, along with several suspects who are still at large, already have pending criminal charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
